» Monthly U.S. Labor Market Analysis

Monthly U.S. Labor Market Analysis

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic first caused mass unemployment, followed by a rapid tightening of the labor market and heightened inflation. University of Michigan researchers are tracking which populations and workers experienced the most disruption during this period of upheaval in America’s workforce. Using monthly data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U-M’s Rapid Insights Jobs Report analysis provides key charts and findings that highlight new developments in the labor market.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics generally releases new labor market data the first Friday of every month.

Monthly Releases

In April, U.S. total nonfarm employment rose by 253,000 jobs, which exceeded expectations as the economy continued to expand. The unemployment rate ticked down to 3.4%, its lowest in over 50 years, according to data released May 5 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

About this Project

The labor market analysis is conducted by Betsey Stevenson, economist at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and Benny Docter, senior data and policy analyst at Poverty Solutions. The project is funded by the Robin Hood Foundation, with support from the Ford School and Poverty Solutions.